McCloskey makes his last set as this fine trilogy comes to a close. Raiders characters mature just as the subject matter comes of age. Political drama, personal intrigue, cultural differences. Even though the story and characters are fictional, the events and emotions are very real and certainly command center stage today just as they did in the 1980s. One of the more interesting themes is the cultural interaction between the Japanese, native Alaskan and the American fisherman. By looking at the evolution of the fishing community we can extrapolate to predict the future of the fishing industry. A further generalization predicts the future of many industries. But the old days, the last third of the 20th century in this case, are gone. It was a bold time, when men could live large, when risk rode with brains and muscle into the eye storm seeking buxom reward. Not just to make a living, but to make a point. A very personal point, shared with crew and friends, often, spoken only with tears. The romance, like that of the Old West, will live on far into the future. With the same salt crystals at the corner of the eye as grace the gunnel at sunset.

The second novel in William McCloskey’s trilogy. The characters mature and the fishing grows from smaller boats to bigger boats. The politics get interesting, as foreign interests endeavor to use every loophole to obtain the Alaskan bounty they lost when the 200 mile limit on fishing was imposed. Breakers is a great read, factual in many aspects, but fictional and romanticized just enough to keep the pages turning rapidly. It captures the energy of commercial fishing, and superimposes human faces to weave the story. Fishing fans should read it twice. It is a well told story, McCloskey talking about what he knows and loves. No more pretentious than that. If you love big water and big adventure. This book’s for you!

A fun and entertaining read. Nothing too weighty; just right for a cozy night at anchor. Highliners is book one of a trilogy including Breakers and Raiders. William McCloskey begins the tale of Hank Crawford, August, 1963, fresh out of college on his way to a cannery job on Kodiak Island, looking for overtime and big dollars. The volume ends in 1975, with the fisherman characters and the changing nature of the fishery filled out. The story is timeless and well told. Plucky, rebellious young man leaves home to follow a dream despite parental opposition. Gradually he finds his sea legs and charts his course. Gradually he becomes part of a dynamic close knit community. A viking-like adventurous lifestyle is portrayed and a bit romanticized. Fishermen competing among themselves and then bonding together as a group, lobbying government to protect their interests and limit foreign fishing. The story builds on its own with little need for gratuituous language. The rhythm of the sea underlies every chapter and although the characters are fictional the times they occupy are factual. A must read for all salty fish lovers because it defines fishing commercial fishing in Alaska. The last frontier.

The day before Superbowl Sunday was fabulous. Calm, sunny, warm….a taste of Spring. Of course, Velkommen went for an island cruise the following day. I’m pleased to say that all systems worked perfectly. But he list of projects is still longer than my allowance. I’ve come to accept that, however. The day all projects are complete, is the day we do the really BIG upgrade.

Cheryl Strayed. Never heard of her. But WILD came my way and her writing blew me acrosss the room with its power, beauty and honesty. I don’t think I’ve read a book of this quality since Jerzy Kosinski’s The Painted Bird. (I’m glad I didn’t let Oprah’s Book Club recommendation put me off.)

When I began, if I had known what was between the covers, I would have held on more tightly. Cheryl wastes no time. Chapter one: ‘Ten Thousand Things’ is written with surgical precision. The throbbing intensity grows with each page until it must be fed. It must be bled for. Sobbed for until gasps replace breathing, until unconciousness provides a drop of relief. There is power in pain. The words vibrate with accuracy. Each one perfectly chosen for one particular place on the page. Doubtless she is her own editor, tirelessly playing each refrain until it is without flaw. The mechanics are perfect. Every word fits, every phrase passes smoothly to the next, every page builds the story, the book, the journey. But….wait until you get caught up in the content.

Not many years ago, Chery’s mother died. Cheryl’s inner void filled with despair and it grew. Getting off track took time and getting back on track would be no different. The first few chapters set the stage. The remaining chapters journey along the Pacific Crest Trail telling a bittersweet personal story, unusually raw, always focused. Hiking toward a better place: Oregon. The Columbia River. The Bridge of the Gods.

WILD must be your next read. It is Steak Tartare for the reader, Caviar for the soul.

Not particularly maritime related, but a salty journey, nonetheless. And as Melville wrote in Moby Dick: “Yes, the world’s a ship on its passage out, and not a voyage complete”.